Royal Princess Arrives In Southampton

A flotilla of boats welcomes a brand new cruise ship as it arrives in Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge will officially name Royal Princess at the city's Ocean Terminal on Thursday 13 May.

She carries 3,600 passengers, and features a glass walkway above the sea.

A series of events, including a special naming gala on the evening of Wednesday 12th June, will take place over the next week and will conclude with her maiden voyage on 16th June.

Following this, the ship will sail Mediterranean cruises throughout the summer and Eastern Caribbean cruises in autumn. 

The  official naming ceremony next week will involve a blessing, the celebratory tradition of smashing a bottle over the hull of the ship and a performance by the Royal Marines Band and the pipers of the Irish Guards. 

It's expected to be Kate's final public engagement before she is due to give birth in just a few weeks.